Saudi Arabia is allowing international travellers to perform Umrah on a range of visa types beyond the dedicated Umrah visa, a policy that has carried into the new 1448 AH season. Under the approach widely described as "any visa is an Umrah visa," holders of tourist, business and transit visas may perform the pilgrimage, provided strict digital requirements are met.
The policy reflects the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goal of widening access to the holy sites and increasing the annual number of Umrah performers. Umrah visa services for the 1448 season resumed after Hajj, with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirming that visa issuance began on May 31, 2026, and that pilgrims could enter Makkah and obtain permits from June 1.
How the Policy Works
The central condition is that the visa must be linked to the Nusuk platform, the Kingdom's unified digital gateway for permits and bookings. A pilgrim holding an eligible visa must obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before entering Makkah. Without a confirmed, Nusuk-linked permit, entry for Umrah is not authorised even when the underlying visa is valid.
This means a Muslim traveller visiting Saudi Arabia on a tourist eVisa, for example, can perform Umrah outside the controlled Hajj weeks by securing a permit through the app. The system is designed to regulate the flow of pilgrims into the Grand Mosque and the Mataf area surrounding the Kaaba, which authorities manage closely to maintain safety.
Nusuk Becomes Mandatory
For the current season, the Nusuk app is no longer optional. It is the required channel for booking Umrah permits and Rawdah appointments, regardless of visa type. Saudi authorities have steadily expanded the platform's role, and the Saudi Press Agency reported that Nusuk surpassed 51 million users globally as of April 2026, drawn from more than 190 countries.
The platform allows users to customise their trip by choosing integrated packages or booking individual services such as accommodation, transport and guided tours. It supports multiple languages and integrates with government systems, which the ministry says creates a more seamless experience while improving oversight of providers.
Key Dates and Limits
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set clear deadlines for the 1448 season. The final date for issuing Umrah visas is March 9, 2027, the last date for pilgrim entry into the Kingdom is March 23, 2027, and the deadline for departures is April 7, 2027. These cut-offs precede the Hajj season, after which Umrah operations pause and reopen later in the year.
Pilgrims on dedicated Umrah visas should also note the entry-window rules introduced for the season, which require them to enter the Kingdom within a defined period after the visa is issued. Travellers should confirm the current window before booking flights.
Practical Tips for Pilgrims
Travellers intending to perform Umrah on a tourist, business or transit visa should download the Nusuk app, link their visa, and secure an Umrah permit before heading to Makkah, as entry will not be permitted without it. Pilgrims should book accommodation and services through official Nusuk channels to avoid unauthorised providers. It is important to check the latest entry and departure deadlines, since these change each season and fall before the Hajj period. Finally, pilgrims should keep digital and printed copies of their permits and confirmations, and rely only on official Saudi government platforms for the most accurate and current requirements.